Dhamtari, India — The Mennonite Church in India celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 27-30 with a gathering of about 1,000 people at Sunderganj Mennonite Church.

The MCI is one of eight MWC member churches in India.

The MCI traces its origins to a 1912 meeting in Balodgahan convened by Mennonite mission workers and visiting representatives of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities, who together drafted a constitution.

MCI moderator and bishop C.F. Nath said it is important to remember the “foundation stones” of the past. “We have to develop them for our future and keep them active according to our constitution,” he said. “These 100 years are full of experiences and information. We have to learn from them and go ahead with new ideas, new energy, new assurance and new vision, so that we may glorify our almighty God and our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.”

Myron S. Augsburger of Harrisonburg, Va., who attended the festivities with his wife, Esther, noted that Westerners have stepped aside over time, allowing leadership to emerge from the Indian community of faith.

“Having visited the church in Chhattisgarh on several occasions over the past 40 years, I am impressed with the work of the Spirit in creating greater unity, resolving conflicts, enhancing the sense of community in the love of Christ and developing a stronger sense of mission as a people sharing God’s reconciling grace,” he said.

The focus of the conference came from Rev. 3:3: “Remember therefore what you have received and heard. Obey it and repent.”

-Mennonite Weekly Review staff